Here is El Greco's mid-16th century Penitent Magdalene. It is oil on canvas, measures 65 by 48 inches and is found in the National Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest, Hungary.
As is typical for this subject, Magdalene is shown with her alabaster jar as well as a book of scripture and a skull (memento mori). Her bared shoulder relates to her past life of sin. The ivy leaves can be seen as a symbol of her ongoing sanctification.
Commentators point out that elements of this artwork -- such as the elongation of Magdalene's neck -- reflect El Greco's early training as an icon painter.
El Greco depicts the penitent Magdalene as a mystic transfixed by divine light in the manner of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.
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